Manly Life Saving Club: A New Era

‍Manly’s iconic Surf Life Saving Club is set for a major transformation, with Northern Beaches Council lodging a Development Application (DA) to build a modern, purpose-built facility.

Welcoming over 3.5 million visitors each year, Manly Beach is one of Australia’s most visited and culturally significant shorelines, and now, plans are officially in motion to ensure its lifesaving operations meet the demands of today and the future.

Mayor Sue Heins said the DA follows more than two years of community consultation, planning and design work.

“Manly Surf Life Saving Club is a cultural icon,” said Mayor Heins. “The current building has outgrown its purpose, with so many groups using the space - from early morning swimmers and nippers to our lifesavers and millions of beachgoers.”

“The new design aims to honour the site’s history, natural surroundings, and evolving needs of the community.”

What’s Being Proposed?

The new facility has been designed by architecture firm Terrior, working within the site’s complex constraints - bordered by a cliff face, a pedestrian promenade, and South Steyne.

The design closely follows the existing building’s footprint, with a modest 10% expansion at ground level, addressing safety and space issues while improving access and functionality.

Key design elements include:

• A striking new façade, inspired by Manly’s natural sandstone cliffs
• Improved disability access and a wider thoroughfare at the Marine Parade pinch point
• New public terraces, shaded spaces and better emergency vehicle access
• An open foyer connecting the Club and promenade, with extra seating and visibility into Club operations
• Retention of the much-loved kiosk serving beachgoers their daily caffeine fix

New & Improved Facilities

The proposed building will support the diverse range of users and ensure Manly’s surf lifesavers and professional lifeguards have the facilities they need to keep the beach safe.

Some of the upgrades include:

• 4 new public toilets (including accessible and family-friendly options) and additional showers
• Improved lifeguard facilities with direct beach visibility and drone access
• Enhanced equipment storage, removing watercraft from the promenade
• Volunteer training facilities meeting emergency services standards
• A multipurpose function room available for community hire
• A lift and full accessibility for people with limited mobility
• Equal amenities for female volunteers
• Dedicated storage options for swimmers, including the Bold & Beautiful
• Sustainability features: solar panels, rainwater reuse, green roof, and passive energy design
• Landscaping by local Aboriginal-owned business Bush to Bowl

Only one Norfolk Pine is proposed for removal - necessary to allow emergency vehicle access - and will be replaced nearby.

What’s Next?

While full funding for construction is yet to be secured, Mayor Heins said having the DA approved opens the door to future grant and funding opportunities.

The proposal will be assessed by the independent Sydney North Planning Panel.

🗓 Have your say: Community submissions are open until 17 November.
📄 Explore the full DA: View all documents and lodge your feedback via the Northern Beaches DA Portal.